Swan left for dead after being shot with 17-inch crossbow

A swan was left bleeding heavily after somebody shot her with a 17-inch long crossbow at Babbs Mill Lake in Kingshurst.

A member of the public saw the swan struggling with something in her wing on Tuesday (1st October) and reported the matter.

David Williams from the RSPCA was called to the scene and managed to safely capture the bird.

He rushed the swan to the Newbrook Animal Centre in Birmingham, where veterinary staff were able to remove the arrow and treat the wound.

Animal Collection Officer, David Williams, said: “It is disgusting to think that someone deliberately decided to shoot this poor swan.

“She must have been terrified and in a lot of pain. It is fortunate a member of the public saw the swan struggling and reported the matter to us or she could have been left to suffer a lingering death.

“I would now like to trace the callous person who is responsible for such a cowardly attack and am asking for anyone with information as to who did this or anyone who saw anything suspicious to call the RSPCA appeals line (0300 123 8018).”

The swan was responding well to pain relief and is now in the care of Wychbold Swan Rescue Centre in Droitwich where staff said today she is doing well.

Read more: https://www.itv.com/news/central/2019-10-03/swan-left-for-dead-after-being-shot-with-17-inch-crossbow/

(Image: RSPCA).